And while this is great I think we should look back at the numbers 10,000 shops in the UK have signed up for Autism hour, whereas only one business has here in Australia and it’s a supermarket.

Now look I’m not knocking Coles for taking a giant leap of faith here, but surely we can’t be seen to be behind the UK when it comes to offering one day a week where Autistic people can shop without being confronted by noise and distractions that come from shopping outside of the designated day of the week (that being Tuesday) and while it has been met with some criticism by those in the Autism Community it’s a step forward that no other business appears to want to take/become involved in.

The downside to the UK Autism hour is that it only happens once a year, here Coles are trailing it so we will have to wait to see if they will be keeping this program running.

But surely there are economic benefits to businesses operating such a scheme?

I’m not an economics expert but given the current economic climate where it’s every business verses the internet (a bloody battle you’ll agree) it’s one that business can’t afford to ignore.

Why should I be excluded from coming into your shop/business?

What trouble will it be to you to turn down the lights, lower the volume on the radio/music centre, be a little bit less noisy?

The answer – NOTHING

It’s pretty disgraceful if you ask me.

I think it’s time we caught up with the UK.

We’ve only got 9,999 shops to go to sign up for it.

It shouldn’t be that difficult right?

Carry on the Conversation

What are your thoughts on why local business don’t partake in Autism Hour? What needs to be done to change that?

Let me know in the comments below.

As always, I can also be found on Twitter: @AutisticNick9 and at my email autisticnick9@gmail.com